Evan “T-Rex” Singleton Leads the Charge
Team USA reclaimed the crown in a thrilling showdown against Team UK at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, on November 18, 2023. After watching the home team win in 2022, UK fans witnessed a titanic effort from the Americans, highlighted by record-breaking performances and clutch moments from strongman superstar Evan Singleton.
Led by 2019 World’s Strongest Man Martins Licis, Team USA faced a British side anchored by legendary Eddie Hall. The single-day competition featured seven grueling events, testing strength, endurance, and national pride.
🏁 Event Recap
1️⃣ Sandbag Steeplechase
Athletes sprinted, lifted, and hurled sandbags over hurdles and onto tables.
- Men’s weight: 330.7 lbs | Women’s weight: 220.5 lbs
- Winner: Team USA (+1 bonus point to Singleton)
- Time: USA — 2:39.39 | UK — 3:13.87
Singleton’s lightning-fast 17.56 seconds earned the team an early lead.
2️⃣ Farmer’s Walk
Classic test of grip strength and stamina over 40 meters.
- Men’s weight: 308.6 lbs per hand | Women’s weight: 198.4 lbs per hand
- Winner: Team USA (Singleton again clinched bonus)
- Time: USA — 3:04.90 | UK — 3:13.65
3️⃣ Axle Deadlift
Heavy lifts challenged max strength:
- Men’s weight: 793.7 lbs | Women’s weight: 485 lbs
- Winner: Team UK (Lucy Underdown grabbed the bonus)
- Total Reps: USA — 23 | UK — 28
A reminder that technique and endurance can tip the scales, even against raw strength.
4️⃣ Circus Dumbbell
Explosive overhead presses tested coordination.
- Winner: Team USA (Singleton’s 7 reps earned another bonus)
- Total Reps: USA — 22 | UK — 19
Licis used his joker card to maximize points — a strategic masterstroke.
5️⃣ Wrecking Ball Hold
Grip and willpower defined this event, with Kevin Faires setting a World Record at 1:53.
- Winner: Team UK (Mark Felix’s strong showing edged them ahead)
- Time: USA — 4:01.84 | UK — 4:23.30
6️⃣ Tug of War
All three rounds — women’s, men’s, and mixed — went to Team UK.
- UK clawed back points, narrowing the gap to just three heading into the final event.
7️⃣ Power Stairs
Athletes alternated carrying massive weights up a staircase:
- Men’s weights: 496 lbs & 551 lbs | Women’s weights: 276 lbs & 287 lbs
- Winner: Team USA
- Decisive Moment: Singleton hoisted 551 lbs to the final step, sealing the victory.
With strength, teamwork, and flawless execution, Team USA stormed to the top.
🏆 Final Thoughts
The 2023 World’s Strongest Nation showdown highlighted incredible athleticism, grit, and sportsmanship. From world records to clutch moments, both teams showcased why strongman competitions captivate fans worldwide.
As Team USA celebrates their triumph, the question remains: can they become the first back-to-back winners in this emerging international contest?
One thing’s for sure — with athletes like Singleton, Licis, and Faires, the battle for supremacy is far from over.
